Former Cabinet Minister Greg Clark Appointed as New Chair of The Japan Society
We are delighted to announce that the Rt Hon Greg Clark has been appointed as the new Chair of The Japan Society, effective from 1 January 2025. The appointment was approved by members at the Annual General Meeting held at the Embassy of Japan on 11 September 2024. This appointment brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organisation, particularly in strengthening UK-Japan relations in politics, science and technology, and business.
A Distinguished Ministerial Career
Greg Clark served as a Cabinet minister under three Prime Ministers, holding key positions including Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy from 2016 to 2019. His ministerial career also included roles as Minister for Science and Universities, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and Minister of State at the Cabinet Office. In the last Parliament he was Chair of the cross-party Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee.
Deep Connections with Japan
During his tenure as Secretary of State for Business, Mr Clark made numerous visits to Japan, meeting with government counterparts and leading Japanese companies to enhance trade and investment links between the UK and Japan. Until the recent General Election in 2024, he served as the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Japan, further solidifying his expertise in UK-Japan relations.
Leadership in UK-Japan Parliamentary Relations
Mr Clark's commitment to fostering UK-Japan ties led him to serve as Chair of the British-Japanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, which brings together MPs and Peers interested in Japan. Under his tenure the APPG was revitalised, with The Japan Society appointed as secretariat and connections to Japanese business in the UK strengthened.
Mr Clark commented on his appointment, stating:
“I am honoured and thrilled to have been chosen to succeed Bill Emmott as Chair of The Japan Society. The relationship between the UK and Japan is stronger than ever and our government, business, cultural and people-to-people ties are flourishing. The recent State Visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress underlined the warmth and vibrancy of our mutual friendship. I look forward to helping extend and deepen our mutual enjoyment of this special partnership.”
Welcoming the appointment, Bill Emmott, current Chair of The Japan Society, said:
"After six fascinating and fulfilling years as Chair, I am thrilled to be succeeded by someone as experienced, high profile and energetic as Greg Clark. I know he will widen The Japan Society's activities and network in both the UK and Japan, and deepen its engagement with business, and with all the many friends of Japan in this country."
Dr Michael Rivera King, CEO of The Japan Society, is also looking forward to working with Mr Clark:
"I am delighted that Greg Clark is joining The Japan Society. With Greg at the helm, The Japan Society is poised to enter a new era of enhanced collaboration and exchange between the UK and Japan. His extensive experience in government, business, and international relations along with his passion for art and culture will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Bill Emmott, with whom I have loved working and from whom I have learned so much. Bill's leadership and dedication have been instrumental in advancing the Society's mission throughout the pandemic and beyond."
More information
- Greg Clark’s expanded biography: https://www.japansociety.org.uk/greg-clark
- Download Press Release PDF